In India, the Aadhaar card has become one of the most important identity documents, essential for accessing government benefits, financial services, and even educational enrolments. While adults and school-going children are expected to have their Aadhaar, many parents are unaware that even children below the age of five years can have their own version of Aadhaar—known as the Baal Aadhaar card.
The Baal Aadhaar, introduced by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), plays a vital role in linking a child’s identity to their parent and in ensuring that the child can seamlessly access welfare schemes, healthcare services, and other entitlements as they grow. With the UIDAI updating its enrolment and application process in 2025, here’s a detailed look at what Baal Aadhaar is, how to apply, what documents you need, and what changes to expect as your child grows older.
What is Baal Aadhaar?
The Baal Aadhaar card is a special version of Aadhaar issued to children below the age of five years. Unlike the standard Aadhaar, it does not capture biometric details like fingerprints and iris scans. Instead, it includes:
- Child’s name
- Photograph
- Date of birth
- Gender
- Unique Aadhaar number, linked to one parent’s Aadhaar
The absence of biometric data is deliberate, since a child’s features change significantly in their early years. Instead, the parent’s Aadhaar authentication is used to validate the child’s identity.
Why is Baal Aadhaar Important?
Parents often assume Aadhaar is necessary only after school admission, but having a Baal Aadhaar early offers several benefits:
- Access to government schemes: Many child welfare programs, healthcare initiatives, and subsidies require Aadhaar linkage.
- Smooth school admissions: Schools increasingly ask for Aadhaar during registration.
- Medical records linkage: Hospitals and health insurance providers accept Aadhaar for maintaining child records.
- Future readiness: Once the child turns 5, biometric data can be easily updated without having to start the process from scratch.
How to Apply for Baal Aadhaar (2025 Process)
The UIDAI offers two methods for parents—online appointment booking with in-person verification or a direct offline application.
1. Online Application Process
- Visit the official UIDAI website.
- Go to My Aadhaar → Book an Appointment.
- Select your city and enter your mobile number.
- Authenticate with the OTP sent to your mobile.
- Choose the date and time for your visit to the Aadhaar Seva Kendra (ASK) or an enrolment centre.
- On the appointment day:
- Submit your child’s documents.
- Provide your own Aadhaar number.
- Authenticate yourself with biometrics.
- After successful processing, your child’s Baal Aadhaar will be generated and sent by post. You can also track its status and download an e-Aadhaar from UIDAI’s portal.
2. Offline Walk-in Process
Parents who prefer not to book online can directly visit the nearest Aadhaar enrolment centre.
- Fill out the Baal Aadhaar enrolment form.
- Attach the required documents (see below).
- The parent’s Aadhaar details and biometrics will be verified.
- You will receive an acknowledgement slip with an Enrolment ID to track the application.
- The Aadhaar card is generally dispatched within 60 to 90 days.
Required Documents for Baal Aadhaar
Parents need to carry the following documents for successful enrolment:
- Birth certificate of the child (or hospital discharge slip).
- Aadhaar card of either parent (mandatory, since the child’s Aadhaar is linked to it).
- Proof of address (parent’s Aadhaar, utility bill, or certificate issued by local authorities).
What Happens When the Child Turns 5?
Since Baal Aadhaar is issued without biometric data, a mandatory update is required once the child reaches the age of five years.
- The child must visit an enrolment centre to provide biometric data (fingerprints and iris scans).
- The photograph is updated.
- The Aadhaar number remains the same; only details are refreshed.
Another update is necessary at the age of 15 years, when the child’s biometrics are taken again to reflect their matured features.
Timelines and Tracking
- Processing time: Usually 2–3 months (60–90 days).
- Tracking status: Parents can check the status online using the Enrolment ID or directly download the digital copy (e-Aadhaar).
Key Points Parents Should Remember
- Baal Aadhaar is valid only until age 5; biometric updates are mandatory after that.
- Carry both the child’s documents and the parent’s Aadhaar to avoid delays.
- The Aadhaar number remains the same for life, even after multiple updates.
- Enrolment is free of cost for first-time applicants. However, later updates or corrections may involve a small fee.
The Baal Aadhaar card is more than just an identification number for your child—it is a gateway to healthcare, education, and social benefits that can significantly impact their early development. With the UIDAI simplifying the enrolment process in 2025, parents can now apply easily either online or offline and ensure their children are Aadhaar-ready from the very beginning of life.
By enrolling your child early, you not only comply with future requirements but also secure their access to essential services without bureaucratic hurdles.
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